Use of the PCR in a Combined Methodological Approach for the Study of Human Fascioliasis in an Endemic Area

Purpose Fascioliasis is a worldwide distributed trematodiasis considered a neglected disease. Diagnosis in humans has been traditionally based on parasitological and immunological techniques. Recently we reported the use of the PCR in stool samples for the individual diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate human fascioliasis by a combination of diagnostic methods in an area where the disease is highly endemic in animals. Methods We studied all the inhabitants ( N = 240) of Tatón village, Argentina, by Fasciola hepatica rproCL1-ELISA. Among them, we continued the study with 13 cases that had at least two positive serological tests, who performed a questionnaire, physical examination, abdominal ultrasonography, and collection of blood and faeces. Blood/serum samples were used for Fh rproCL1-ELISA and liver function tests. Faeces were used for parasitological analysis and PCR of a repetitive fragment of Fasciola sp. Results Among the 13 patients, 9 presented symptoms of biliary colic. All patients repeated positive serology. F. hepatica eggs were not detected. PCR was positive in 11 cases. Conclusion This is the first report employing an approach based on the combination of methods for the evaluation of human fascioliasis in an endemic area, which includes molecular tools with a high value in detecting low infections.